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I figured that I'd ask before I start breaking things......can I network the printer that's on my comp? It's some cheap dell printer that was given to us. As little printing as I (we) do, I keep it downstairs. My son's comp upstairs is set up via a wireless network....here's the question-->can I set up the printer so that he can print to it from his computer? I'm pretty sure that I can, but wanted to ask before I start screwing things up. Also, do I have to have the printers drivers installed on his computer? That one I'm not sure about....don't know if windows will just spool it and send it to my comp and let my comp print it or if it'll print directly from his computer. Both machines are running winxp pro BTW.

Thanks!

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You can install the driver on the remote computer (son's) and install it over the LAN thru the router. It would be hooked up on your computer down stairs. Install the the Printer and Fax setup but select Network Printer instead of local printer.

Option 2 is a print server. You can buy one built into the router or you can buy a stand alone the plugs into the router like another computer. Here are two examples of wireless Print Servers...

1.is the printer properly installed on the local (the comp that the printer is attached to)?
2.did you "share" the printer? >right click on printer in controlpanel and select share, you will see a small "hand" underneath the printer to show you it tis shared.
3.are both your computers on the same "workgroup"? right click on "my computer" select properties, click on"computer name"ensure workgroup name is the same, it dosent matter what it is.
4.if both the operating systems are the same , you dont have to worry about drivers on the remote computer.
5.click on>my computer>my network places>view workgroup computers. can you see both computers?
6.if so, go toi the remote (computer that is not directly attached to the printer)and repeat step 5, once you see the "local" computer, click on it, you should now see all the shared folders and printers it has to offer.if you can see the shared printer, double click on it, this will connect/share/install the printer to the remote computer. it will also install the necessary drivers via the network from the priinter's computer.
7.if you need clarification here, post back, me or someone else can help make it more clear.